Since I wrote a review April 23, 2006, the owners have changed. They have a 15 Euro menu at lunch which is so-so (with no choices) and above that, a menu at 25 with 3 choices for entree, main dish and dessert. They have added a vegetarian menu at 20 Euros and there are others in the 30 Euro range.

While the food was good, it wasn't exceptional as it was under the previous owners (where you had 6 choices for entree, main dish and dessert). The service was fine.

One caveat: You can no longer park in front of the hotel/restaurant. It is reserved for permit holders who are residents of Lagrasse. We received a parking fine, even though the hotel still has the "Hotel Parking" sign up and even a copy of their menu posted in the parking lot. A phone call to the "Mairie" (town hall) to complain got no sympathy other than to say the parking restrictions are only for the summer season. Don't count on it!

Finally, the Hostellerie des Corbieres has made it into this year's Michelin Guide, obviously based on the previous owners' accomplishments....

We decided on Lagrasse after visiting Carcasonne. It was a good decision - away from the bustling traffic and city. We found this hotel from the Logis de France directory. There was ample parking opposite the hotel. We paid about 70+ Euros for b&b.

The room was adequate with a ceiling fan and bare board with carpets. The bathroom works but the shower unit could do with upgrading. But all that was easily forgiven for the food was really first class.

I had the fish soup as starter with bits of langoustine meat - one of the tastiest I've had. The quality of cooking went on. Even the cheese was well thought up - the goat cheese had a dribble of honey on it, marvellous.

The service was attentive, good and above all, the meal arrived at a relaxing pace.

I will definitely stay there again, just for the food.

We ate here twice during a week's house-rental in Lagrasse. The food is good ("modern French provincial" is the best description I can give), the service is excellent and knowledgeable, and the welcome warm. The restaurant feels pleasantly formal and correct. English spoken.

There is a little terrace at the back overlooking vineyards, which is lovely, but has only a few tables. It was full the first time we went, so we made a point of prebooking a table there for our next visit - well worth the effort.

This is not a particularly cheap place to eat, but the prices reflect the quality, although wine prices can be a bit steep. Our two meals cost 85 euros and 73 euros respectively, including wine and aperitifs.

We tried some other places in Lagrasse - Les Trois Graces, and Les Temps des Courges. These are cheaper more laid-back bistro-ey places, but both well worth visiting. The only place we would not go back to is one of the cafes on the Promenade (forgotten the name, but it's the one farthest away from the Hotel des Corbieres). Dull food and not cheap.

If you want the ideal base, within one of the prettiest villages in France, for a holiday in the Languedoc, then this is the ideal place. A 6-bedroom hotel, with an excellent restaurant.

Website is http://hostelleriecorbieres.free.fr/anglais/a_accueil.php

Jean-Marc and Lyndsay are wonderful hosts and have friendly and attentive staff.

If you want satellite TVs, minibars etc, then this is not the place for you. If you want true, genuine French village hospitality and style, then you'd be struggling to find better.